The Akbash dog breed is an independent breed and often can be aggressive with strange people or threatening animals. As this is the way the breed was developed so it could effectively protect livestock, these behaviors should not come as a surprise to the owner. However, what might come as a shock is that the Akbash can easily accept and bond with other animals or the owner's other pets, especially when the dog is introduced as a puppy.
Because of its incredible skills as a guard dog, the Akbash can be aggressive towards strange animals. A neighbor's dog may be okay if the Akbash has lived near it for a while, but a new or aggressive neighbor dog may be seen as a threat. This can translate into aggressive behavior on the part of the Akbash, something owners would rather avoid.
So how is it that the Akbash can accept pets in its own home? Well, the best way for your Akbash to accept other pets is to bring the Akbash as a young puppy into a home that already has pets. In most cases, this will produce a very protective, maternal-like instinct in the dog. He will see the other pets in the household as part of his "flock" and will guard them as such.
If you already have a mature Akbash in your home, your introduction of another pet may be a little more volatile. That is definitely not to say that the dog will not accept another dog, cat, or other animal, but it may take some careful introductory techniques and more time before the Akbash is comfortable with the new pet.
On farms, the Akbash puppy will quickly bond with almost any and all animals. They have special affection for sheep, goats, and even horses. Since the dog was initially bred to protect and care for livestock animals, the Akbash will feel more comfortable with these animals and will often take over a group of animals as the protector.
One of the most interesting points about the Akbash's behavior as it pertains to other animals is its conduct around sick or injured animals. There are amazing stories of Akbash dogs who "adopt" hurt deer or rabbits. They can be very nurturing to wounded animals, especially those that are part of their established "flock". Again, this behavioral instinct comes from thousands of years of breeding the Akbash into the perfect livestock guard dog.
Promoting the bond between your other pets and your Akbash is essential, as this is how the dog will accept and take the other pet into his protected "flock". Once the dog has bonded with the other pet, the Akbash is likely to risk his own life to protect that animal. While this is not a practical or probable scenario in today's suburbs, it is as useful an aspect in rural areas today as it was in the past.
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